The Laws of Charisma

CHAPTER 9

COMPETENCE:WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW WILL HURT YOU

We must believe in ourselves or no one else will believe in us; we must match our aspirations with the competence, courage, and determination to succeed.

—ROSALYN SUSSMAN

A critical ingredient to radiating charisma and enhancing your ability to influence others is to have comprehensive competence, knowledge, or expertise in the area where others expect you to have it. Being a role model is hard if your audience thinks that you have no idea what you are talking about or don’t have the needed or perceived abilities. If they have not seen (or heard) you do what you are asking them to do, they are less willing to let you take the lead. Rebellion and resentment result when you ask others to do ...